Preferences - Heartbeat

Preferences - Options

Enable the Safe Network option to switch VPN Monitor to standby mode on trusted networks. Enable the status panel on a single or on all desktops (spaces).

Help

Built-in help with all the information you need to configure a secure VPN Service under MAC OS Networking and have it automatically reconnect.

Energy

VPN Monitor requires very few CPU cycles and memory, with the energy saving option enabled this is reduced to the absolute minimum.

What is VPN and why would I need it?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, it is a technology that creates a secure network connection over the unsecure Internet. All traffic over a VPN is encrypted to secure data integrity, privacy and prevent any unintentional interception of data.

A VPN will help defend against mass surveillance by governments, corporations or hackers. It will keep your real IP address and location private and your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or public WiFi-hotspot cannot decipher your internet traffic or know which websites you have visited.

VPN is an essential part of computer security ... you don't want your connection to drop unnoticed!

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VPN Monitor

How does it work?

The details

By taking advantage of the world's most advanced operating system VPN Monitor gets notified of changes in connection status and immediately takes the required actions. Its intelligent connect and reconnect approach ensures carefree operation. There is no so-called 'polling' involved.

An open eye icon in the status bar (as shown above this article) indicates a VPN connection is active and being monitored. Click a closed eye icon (no VPN active) to open the menu and connect to your VPN Service - from this moment on your VPN will remain connected. VPN Monitor will reconnect in case the connection is lost or 'dropped' until you manually disconnect from the menu.

As VPN Monitor is using the VPN Services you configured under MAC OS Networking, there is no need to enter any VPN account information (or passwords). VPN Monitor will simply initiate a connect or disconnect. VPN Monitor does not send information to the internet or connect to the internet itself.

When multiple VPN Services are configured and it is not possible to reconnect due to an unresponsive VPN server (it might be down), VPN Monitor will go through the list with alternative VPN Services until a successful connection has been established. This unique fallback feature ensures a minimum of VPN downtime.

The heartbeat option is available as an additional layer of security by providing a regular pro-active check on the connection status. macOS system notifications are used for instant and realtime reconnects, the heartbeat option is verifying the status 'manually'.

The Safe Network option is available for mobile users, it will switch VPN Monitor to Standby Mode when you are on a safe network (home or office), as soon as you connect to another network VPN Monitor will start your VPN connection.

Energy saving is accomplished by disabling the heartbeat and HUD status panel and allowing the system to sleep and reconnect after a wakeup.

VPN Monitor works out-of-the-box; no configuration is required*

Note: VPN Monitor will not block outgoing traffic while the VPN connection is down. Other third party applications like Little Snitch are able to handle this.

*) Assuming you configured a VPN Service already, it is the prioritized connection and all traffic is safely routed through the VPN. Details on correct VPN configuration are provided with VPN Monitor.

User feedback

Have had this for a couple months now and it works great. I also like the Status window-lets me know how many times it has had to reconnect among other things. I looked at writing an applescript to do this, but for the price, this is definitely a no hassle option.by Touchy User - Aug 10, 2016

This application does exactly as it says. I have used two other products that are avaialble on the App Store; however, VPN Monitor is the best hands down.by dmeucci - Aug 5, 2016

I've had no isses with this app and it has done a great job at letting me know when my vpn disconnects and reconnects. Overall, definitely worth getting this app if using L2TP or PPTP and want your vpn to automatically reconnect after it disconnects!by MetalHead44 - Version - 1.5 - August 25, 2015

I have tried several solutions, including VPN Autoconnect and none work on Yosemite .. until I found this one. Defintely worth the $2 spent. Thanks.by Traynis - Version - 1.1 - Oct 1, 2014

Works exactly as advertised. Starts VPN after boot and reconnects whenever needed. Works seamlessly on both my iMac and my MBAir. For the past year, I have used an Applescript to do the same thing, but
VPN Monitor improves the reconnection process. Highly recommended.by Alex in Arizona - Version - 1.4 - Aug 15, 2015

Living in China I rely on VPN for Google services. VPN often drops out and so this is the perfect solution to keep connected. Been using for a week now and very happy.by mickilo - Version - 1.1 - Aug 22, 2014

Thanks for making such a great app! It exactly does what it should do and I really like it. Before I found this application, I searched a long time for a way to automatically connect my iMac - now I have found it. Please keep it up!by lmprht - Version - 1.3 - Jan 17, 2015